Oregon OKs gay partnerships

May 10, 2007

By Brad Cain Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. Oregon on Wednesday, May 9, joined a growing list of states prepared to offer gay couples at least some of the benefits of marriage.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed legislation creating “domestic partnerships” for gays and lesbians in the state starting Jan. 1. He also signed a bill that outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation, effective the same date.

Kulongoski, a strong backer of both measures, said they would “transform our state from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion.” The measures had been attempted before but were always blocked by the Legislature until this year.

The domestic partnership law will enable same-sex couples to enter into contractual relationships that carry many of the benefits offered to married couples.